(Miss Kristi Maddocks takes one step beyond childhood with a heavy, heavy monster party. Pick it up, pick it up!)
Before there was MTV, princesses all over the world celebrated their teenage years with fabulous Sweet 16 birthday parties. Although by that time I was a child of the Che Underground, celebrating this rite of passage was an excuse to throw a wonderful party, as well as an old family tradition that I could not pass up.
When I turned 16 in 1982, the Headquarters and Distillery East were my favorite hangouts. I spent my days playing volleyball and studying at Torrey Pines High School, and hung out with the mod/punk/surfer clique known as “The Scrubboes.” In the evenings I was out dancing with my friends from UC, La Jolla, PB and downtown. It only made sense that my ska-theme birthday party included kids from both walks of life!
Some of the highlights of my Sweet 16 were the mod/ska/New Wave soundtrack, the fabulous ’50s party dresses the girls wore, and the Beat Girl design on my birthday cake — which was hand-made for me by my dear friend Patty!
My mother Marian had a great time dancing with the guys, and my uncle Donald splurged for a case of cheap champagne…Needless to say, the bathroom door was often locked, with large groups of teens hanging inside. The night finally came to an end around 1 a.m., when some of the guys were jumping off the balcony into a sea of dancing Queens and Kings.
— Kristi Maddocks
This IS sweet!Kids are so damn cute,even ones that are forty now.So much enthusiasm and unabashed sincerity,I wish we could stay that way!
My daughter would probably wear a hat like Kristi’s wing-woman.
… Cripes! I just realized my daughter is going to be sweet 16 in July. (No, I’m not tearing up … *ahem!* … Just seasonal allergies.)
Wow!!! When I saw that photo with you and your Beat Girl cake I thought now there’s the Kristi I first met! So shortly there after must have been the road trip to the Jam @ Perkins Palace right? Would this particular party have taken place at the Barbados or Condessa house?
What a cutie pie you are in these pictures! I missed this party.
I was kind of the “anti-princess” -- I got kicked out of my parents house just a few weeks before my 16th birthday and moved in with Tommy Clarke and his mom. We celebrated my big day at the Ken, watching Quadrophenia and “Tommy” with friends and cake in the front row. Not a blowout birthday bash as cool as yours, but memorable.
I had a performance-art bar mitzvah in our back yard. I was a vision in white denim; there were manifestations by assorted luminaries of conceptual art, experimental music and poetry: and Dave Rives and I played derogatory songs about our assistant principal.
In fact, my (very foxy) Hebrew teacher taught me “Twist and Shout,” thus arming me with the three chords I was to extrapolate into a magnificent career in popular music!
“my (very foxy) Hebrew teacher taught me “Twist and Shout””
I clearly went to the wrong school!
Ellen Band: Not your father’s Hebrew teacher!
My bar mitzvah also featured the debut of the Big Jewish Band, an early klezmer-revival outfit that included Jef Raskin, who would go on to sire the Apple Macintosh.
Hey Kristen and Mathew,
Thanks for sharing each of yours’ rites of passage. Every young American has one, albeit they each are very diffferent and not always happy rites. Some cultures celebrate the transition to young adulthood ceremoniously, and for others it can be indicated by a painful experience. I would have loved to attended Mathew’s cutting edge performance art baz mitzva! That ceremony appears to be predictive of the experimental sounds of Noise 292, which I was a huge fan of!
I was also a huge fan of Kristen Tobiason, but I am sad to hear you were robbed of your due princess moment by being shunned out of the house before age 16! On the positive side of that, at least you were taken in by your boyfriend’s family! You were probably envied by every rebellious high schooler who secretly wanted to shack up with their high school sweetheart and live in sin!
That brings me to my own first love and High School love interest Paul Phipps! Hey, darling! It is nice for you to finally join the Che Underground…I have so many stories to shgare that involve you…so be prepared! Anyway, to your question…Yes, my 16th b-sday bash was celebrated in the “big dream house” my parents built on Condesa Drive in Del Mar. Unfortunately, soon after the house was bult and my family moved in, my Dad annopunced divorce preceedings and my family soon broke up and fell apart. My Sweet 16th B-day bash was the coup de grat on Condesa…after this party in December we downgraded to a much smaller home on Barbados Way. I think it was more than 9 months and a boyfriend or two later that I started dating you Paul. Look for my story on that and specifically the Scooter Rally we shared with many other Modlings on the way to the Jam in Pasadena the next Fall. Story with pictures are coming soon to a blog near you!
By the way, iit is only fair of me to share the name of the two other fellas that I dated before my love affair with Paul Phipps, because they were also part of the San Diego music underground, but I haven’t seen their names on the blog yet. One of these felllas was Morgan Smith, who was from Coronado and eventually played guitar and sang in The Front. ON my first date with him he took me to see Texas Chain saw Masacre at the Kent-tres romantique! We dated again for a short time in 1986, and even remained good friends while he served in the first Gulf War as a Navy Fighter Pilot (true!). He was a really nice person. We kept in touch while I was in school in SF in the early 90’s, but I’ve sadly lost track of him.
The only true boyfriend I had before Paul Phipps was Darren Lacari, the drummer for the Skullbusters. Like Morgan, I met Darren at a punk gig at The Lions Club. I did the punk thing for a while, but a lot of the people in the scene scared me. I always preferred the company of Mods or avante-garde innovators and artists.
Kristi do you really have pics of the Jam trip?!! I have only one really cool pic left that your sis took,actually I think It’s still around in Alena Tuchscher’s Moms garage. I’ll have to dig it out,remember Lumpy? He’s in the background. That’s a name I totally forgot about until just now. That trip was the best and the worst for me. I was dating Natalie Moore at the time and Dave Acampora and I went to some after party in Hollywood and when we got to the hotel where Natalie was at, Michelle Krone who was her best friend at the time did’nt want to open the door all the way cause she did’nt want me to see that Nat had gotten together with Steve Foth. Well I was heartbroken and I made Dave leave right then cause I was his ride and we drove a stolen P-200 all nite till we got back to Dago,driving by braille cause I was so tired. It was’nt all a loss though cause you and I had just met on the way to the Jam and some how I just new that you were gonna be my next girlfriend and I remember being pretty excited about that prospect! B.T.W. Dave went right back to Pasadena on that hot P-200 the next day and got pulled over and went to jail over that bike!
Wow…what a twisted tale you tell! It’s like a youngster’s version of Desperate Housewives “aka Mod Mellowdrama!”. The Jam was a pivitol night for me, too. Months before I had introduced my older sister Vicki to the Headquarters and some of my dancing friends. She ended up sneaking around my back and getting together with Russell Stevens from the UC crowd. This pissed me off because I was newly singled from the punkish Darren Licari and had a crush on Russell, anfd some other Mod Gods that I had known for a while, like Louis Mello and Dean Curtis. If I remember correctly, Vicki and Russell took me to the Jam as way of making things cool between the three of us. Little did nyon guess that Vicki and Russell would eventuallly marry and have five beautiful kids together!
Paul, I thought I had met you before the Jam night…but maybe we met at the house where everyone was getting in their suits, putting on their parkas and jumping on Scooters for the final leg of the ride.
All I know is that I had a camera with me and took a bunch of cool photos outside the venue. I would be curious to see if the photo you are referencing was a part of my role of film, which I shared with VICKI….
I’ll be unveiling those photos and a short story with it within the week. Perhaps you can dig up the photo you speak of and add it to the thread that will likely follow.
I’ve been totally diggin’ this blog ever since I accidentally discovered it a week ago (by Googling my maiden name). It has allowed me to reconnect with people who never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d hear from (and hopefully see) again.
Kristi: I just happened to read your thread here. (I never had a “sweet 16” party and was curious.) I’m reading along when all of a sudden a name jumps out at me…Morgan Smith! Wow. I met him one day while at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. It was summer of ’78 and I was 15. I was there with my best friend and we were just hangin’ out as usual when we “spotted” him and his friend. We ended up hangin’ the rest of the day together. I remember he had this really long hair and it kept getting in the ice cream cone he was eating. I only saw him one other time. My dad was stationed in Coronado for a time and I hitched a ride with him one morning to get over there. We went to the beach. I never saw him again after that. I recall calling him once and his father answered. I asked for “Morgan” and he replied “senior or junior?” I was so nervous. I didn’t even know he was a junior. Anyway, it was really cool to read about him here. I always wondered about him. Crazy to find out 30 years later! And a fighter pilot? I would have never guessed. 🙂 All this inspired me to google him: http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue31_8TheFrontArticle.pdf
(Wish I had seen them!)
Hi Lori,
I went to school at USD with Morgan--he was an incredibly nice guy.
… And his hair always smelled like Rocky Road.
I totally fell in love w/ him that day at the Park. Alas, there was too much distance btwn the East SD girl and the Coronado boy. ‘Twas a love that could never be. So stoked to hear about him here. Who would have guessed??? So, Ray, I don’t suppose you are still in contact with him? 😉
P.S. M, it was vanilla soft-serve. 😛 Yummy.
Oh, my goodness! I’m getting all giggly here.
An honest-to-god Che Underground hookup seems like it would be a feather in our collective cap. …
Morgan Smith, come forth! (Be sure to use the Dairy Queen conditioner — chicks dig it.)
ROFL! (I rarely ever use that—but this certainly warranted it) I’m tellin’ you M, you have NO IDEA what YOU have unleashed when you created this blog… 😉 And, as if I needed to say this, I am so very thankful to you! xo<3ox
Hookup? Whoa there boy, let’s not get carried away. 😛 Besides, that WAS 30 years ago. And I am not that 15-yr-old girl anymore. Ok, maybe in spirit, but not in the physical sense.
Hey there, Paul. Watch it! 😛 I do have this uncanny memory for remembering names (and faces) of people even if I only met them once…and even if it was 30 years ago. It freaks people out sometimes. Now if only I could put that gift to good use…
I am still recovering from seeing Morgan’s name here. I mean WTF???
Paul, you are crazy. Natalie Moore wasn’t your girlfrield when we went to the Jam. She went there with me and she was already Steve Foths girlfriend. I guess you were in the dark. Poor baby.
I found an old picture of you and I from when you lived with Dirk. Do you ever see him? I wonder what he is up to.
Kristina: Dirk’s popped up a couple times. … Hang out here long enough, and everybody passes this way. 🙂
The stars have aligned thanks to Miss Kristi Maddocks whom I have to thank for connecting me with this site. In a matter of a few weeks, I connected with her, Mark Baez (from The Front), and others and got to hear Kristi & co. laying down some tracks in the studio (which sounded great, can’t wait to hear the final tracks.) I’m writing a piece for the site now, and The Front is open for a reunion gig, we’ll see what happens. Lori, Ray, glad to see your still kickin’. “FlimFlam” is a devious and nefarious trickster friend adding fuel to warm coals. Still riffing, starting a Stones cover band. Stay happy and healthy.
MS
Morgan: Great to have you! Dab a little fudge ripple behind each ear and come join us in May.
Lori,
Classic story, thanks for making me laugh. I used to get pissed because my dad would scare off girls when they called. I think those were the awkward young man days, too shy to make a move. Many thanks for the link to The Front write up. That picture was at an outdoor concert at Mission Bay. I’ll pass it on to Mark Baez.
Matthew,
Nice work with the site. Squeezing the fudge nipple for some ripple, we’ll see what happens.
MS
Kristina Scherer, is this Kristina Harrel? Who else could it be. What’s up?!! I hear you’re livin in Alpine now-right? Why would you say Nat and I were’nt going out then? If you remember correctly you’re the one who introduced them and I always carried a slight resentment towards you. Oh well, you and I ended up being better friends anyway. BTW why would’nt you accept Alena as your friend on myspace?Also I hung out with Dirk a couple years ago on a trip to Vegas,but since then I have’nt seen him
Hey Phippsand friends,
I just got back from SD County where I had a wonderful time recording with the Dave’s and Matt, and meeting up with some dear lost friends such asd Kristina Harrell Scherer, Carla Mathews Wilson and the before-mentioned “frontman” Morgan Smith! I tell you Rothenburg…this ball keeps rolling forwards! I’m sorry to have missed the Shambles gig, Kristen Tobiason and Bobby Lane-but I just about fell apart at the end. And where have you been, my dear Paul? Step it up! And, i hope it is not too forward to say, but keep your personal conversations to and of your dear wife Elena to your personal e-mail or myspace, please! This is a sand box where a lot of children play!
First of all let me apologize if I offended anyone,including but of course not limited to my Dearest Alena. Kristi I wish I knew you were in town and recently I was in Palm Springs with Matt Kash and Camille and Matt woke me early one morning in the hotel and asked if I wanted your hook-up. At the time it seemed like a dream and I’m only now realizing you were probably gonna tell me you were gonna be in SD-yes? The strange thing being I’m continually asking Mo for your # and he acts like it’s an act of congress or something to come off it!!! Oh well I speak to him practically daily so I’ll get it-SOOON!!!!
Next: Darren Graelish. My # changed again so please call Alena asap when you get this.Thanks for putting me up in LA,I had a blast!!! I hear you’re gonna have a show,if it’s not too much trouble put me on the list, you know I’m strapped with party favors!!! CALL/STOP. BTW do you realize we left L.A. @ 5 am and opened some hideous dive bar in Oceanside @ 6:30 am?!!! HURTIN!!!! I Love your Life D.!!!! No rest for the wicked!!! WORD.
Paul Phipps, Where have you been all these years ?
Kristi, This blog is a blast ! Love all the pics and stories.
Cheers
Hi Sarah!
As I remember it, there were two Sarahs, Big Sarah and Little Sarah. You were Little Sarah, right? Whatever happened to Big Sarah???
Sarah!!!! what up Girl?!!!! Been wondering what’s happening with you as well!!! I’m still here in good old S.D.. I tried Seattle for a minute but it’s just too cold! I lost contact with just about everyone in the old crew but recently reconnected with Kristi Maddocks here and I ran into Joe-Boy on University and had a great convo w\him. As far as Greg and Sarah and Byron Yordan and Dave Acampora I really dunno. Seen Dirk a couple years back but he’s being kinda reclusive.Seems like he may be mad at me over a little misunderstanding in Vegas,but I still love him. Also I got a message from Kristina Harrell a couple days ago and I went to L.A. with Darren Graelish last week so this site has really been a blessing,can’t believe nobody thought of it sooner-kudos to Matthew Rothenberg! Alena Tuchscher and I have two great daughters together and life is better than I could ever deserve. So where are you now? You do know there’s a reunion planned for May-right? It’s so cool hearing from you again and fill us in on what’s been happening in your life! B.T.W. Ray this is Big Sarah the one who(City Gent) Richard Simpao was in love with-remember?. Little Sarah was Greg and Annie Kopels little sis, aptly named Lil’ Sarah cause she was so much younger and we all sorta looked out for her, especially Sarah Spry and Kristi Maddocks.
Yes this is Big Sarah ! Hi Everyone ! Paul- Greg lives in Israel with his wife and 3 kids, Little Sara lives in Oakland with her husband and 2 kids. Annie is in SD and we see each other often. I went to the Casbah gig last Saturday and it was such a blast to see so many old friends. Dave is in NY rocking in his band. Michael Browning lives in London. I haven’t see Richard in forever, would love to chat with him. I live in Dana Point, married to an amazing artist James. My son Ben is 19 and a musician living in Colorado. I did hear something about a gathering in May, please let me know the details. Paul you need to get on Facebook, I want to see pics of your family. Wow 2 girls ! I’m sure you deserve that kind of payback ! LOL
I’m still alive.
Working. Doing my thing. I guess i never grew up. I still go to shows every weekend…..
I’m living in Blossom Valley. Extreme east county is not incorrect.
Its past El Cajon!
But its really nice.
I like it out here.
I’m really enjoying seeing all the stuff on the internet from the 80s. Darren Grealish told me about these postings.
Glad to hear you are well Kristi.
You too Paul.
Much Respect
Tim Ortiz
What’s up T.O.?! This is Paul on Alena’s comp. It’s been a long time. Glad to hear from you and that you’re doin well. I really don’t know what to say, since it’s been ages and all.I have this wierd feeling that we’ll be seein each other shortly,don’t know why,maybe it’s got something to do with MO. Got alot to catch up on. Cheers. P
Hi Tim, It’s Alena how are you doing? It seems Darren is in touch with everyone (funny). I have some pics I need to scan and post.
Take care,
~A
Dig it gang…we did a “post your kids pic here” thread a while back. Mine were cutest of course. Just send ’em to Matt and perhaps we can do a review….lots of folks got here since then.
Patrick Works
King Daddy of Daddies
(baby)
PS perhaps there’s a Hot Hubbies/Wicked Wives thread in there somewhere too? Or is that just too odd and kinda like high-school daze again?
I for one could kill you all with my “why my first wife was a really bad idea and how it all turned to hell” thread.
I know…great minds…
PW
My wife’s hotter than yours.
i’m my own wife and husband. but my kid is smarter than i am. he’s super fab.
where is this place to post kid pix that you speak of, mister patndhat?
Wow, i hadn’t stopped by this thread in ages. I actually just flew back home yesterday from my latest venture to San Diego…this time recording my final two new songs and vocal tracks for my upcoming debut as an electronic recording artist with SD local Clay Colgin; in our electronic pop/fusion duo “The Eris Sisters” (tracks available on myspace, our debut CD “Downhear” scheduled for relrease in 5-7 weeks!) The trip was a working visit, so I was limited to only one night of socializing, but had the pleasure of seeing Ann Kopels, Tom Ward, and Carla Mathews one night over drinks & dinner at Por Favor in La Mesa…last time I’ll go there for the foood, but the company was great! Anyways, I’m glad to see this posat brought so many familiars out to say hi and re-connect.
I am geared up to make a couple of new postings soon! As soon as I recover from the trip, Todd Tomarrow and Iwill wrap up a version of our Go Go Impossible Story in a bow for all to see….and Mathew can unleash it when he has the right opportunity!
Meanwhile…I think I will be performing July 30th in San Diego with The Blues Gangsters Quartet Unplugged at LeStats’ Che Underground Photo Show and Acoustic Review.
Then expect me on The Club Zu Boat Party; where I will be dancing, and happily promoting the release of “Downhear” by The Eris Sisters, with Cd give-aways and special guest dj’s spinning & mixing our singles on the dancefloor! Whoooppppiiiii!
Big Love,
Miss Kristi
http://www.myspace.com/erissisters
http://www.bluesgangsters.com